CHRISTMAS has failed to boost trade in Hayes and shopkeepers say it is not just due to the credit crunch but because the town needs a better variety of shops.

CHRISTMAS has failed to boost trade in Hayes and shopkeepers say it is not just due to the credit crunch but because the town needs a better variety of shops.

Independent retailers say Hayes is failing to attract shoppers because it needs more big brand names and the support of Hillingdon Council to open access to the town centre.

Tom Hannigan, owner of The Furniture Shop in Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, said: "It is still dead over here, our sales haven't increased at all for Christmas but I don't think it has anything to do with the credit crunch. There is just nothing to bring people to Hayes.

"The council have spent so much money in Uxbridge that there is nothing left for Hayes. But this has been the case for years since they closed the road down."

David Beale, owner of The Hayes Florist, also in Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, said: "Sales haven't really picked up over Christmas but I think the main problem is that we just don't have enough passing trade. I think the council really need to look at more ways of opening the town."

Anna Turek, assistant manager, of The Carpenters Arms, said: "It is quiet during the week days, more so than it has been during previous years which may be to do with the credit crunch. But during the weekends we still do get very busy, and we are hoping for it to get busier in the next few days.

Liz O'Keeffe, manager, of Scope charity shop in Station Road, Hayes, said: "Our Christmas cards and new gift items are selling a lot slower than last year, which I think is an effect of the credit crunch."

Melanie Clarke-Smith, Hayes town centre officer, said: "Most of the shops in Hayes tend to sell the necessities that people need, Iceland for food, the newsagents for bus passes, so I haven’t noticed a drastic change in the number of people using the town centre in the run up to Christmas or over the last year. Credit crunch or not, people still need to eat and buy the basics."